LSDefine
Simple English definitions for legal terms
A quick definition of ad hominem:
Term: ad hominem
Definition: Ad hominem means attacking someone's character instead of their argument. It's like saying "you're wrong because you're a bad person" instead of explaining why they're wrong. This is not a good way to argue because it doesn't address the actual issue and can be hurtful to the person being attacked.
A more thorough explanation:
Term: ad hominem
Definition: Ad hominem means attacking someone's character instead of their argument. It's like name-calling instead of using facts and logic to make your point. For example, if someone says that smoking is bad for your health, and someone else responds by saying "well, you're just a hypocrite because you eat junk food," that's an ad hominem attack. It doesn't address the argument about smoking, it just tries to discredit the person making the argument. Ad hominem attacks are not a good way to have a productive conversation or debate.
ad hoc compromis |
a die confectionis